//------------------------------// // True Friends // Story: Raising a Human Daughter // by unleashedtwilight //------------------------------// “Mom! Wake up, it’s morning!” Crystal yelled jumping on my bed. “Oh...” I yawned stretching. “Good morning Crystal...” I said groggily getting out of bed. “Come on! You said I could meet your friends!” She said jumping around excitedly... she could definitely pass off as my daughter. “How about breakfast first?” I said with a slight smile. “Trust me, you want to eat before you meet my friends. Otherwise you won’t eat until later.” “Why is that mommy?” “Well... I made that mistake once... then again, I was the one holding on to tickets to the grand galloping gala...” I said pouring a cup of water and levitating it to Crystal. “What’s the grand galloping gala?” she asked taking a sip of her water. “Oh, it’s supposed to be one of the most amazing festivities in Canterlot... possibly in Equestria.” I said making a sandwich “Although, it wasn’t too great for us.” I giggled a bit. “What happened?” “Well...” I said giving the sandwich to Crystal. “That whole night, I was expecting to be able to talk to the princess more about magic and what I’ve learned in my lessons of friendship... but there were so many ponies that came, I hardly had  a chance to say one word to her.” “So you didn’t have fun?” “To be honest, the only time we really had fun was after the gala, when my friends and I got together again.” “Do you think I could go to the next grand.. um... something gala?” I giggled. “I think it’s a possibility.” I said as I watched her eat. “Come on Crystal, let’s go into town.” I said going to the door. “Coming mom!” she said leaving the rest of her sandwich behind. “Oh! Bye Spike!” she called out. There was no response... he must’ve been asleep still. “Spike?” she slowly walked into the room where Spike was sleeping. “Spike...?” she said poking him. “Spike...?” she continued poking him. “Ugh... huh...?” he slowly opened his eyes. “Oh... hey Crystal.” he said rubbing his eyes. “What did you want?” “I just wanted to say bye. Me and mommy are going out of the house.” she said kissing his cheek lightly. “Oh uh... Yeah, I’ll see you later Crystal.” he said blushing a bit. “You okay, Spike?” Crystal asked. “Y...yeah, I’m fine.” “Well, I’ll see you later then.” Crystal said walking through the door with me. Hmm... I’m surprised how calm she is around him. And Spike looked even more embarrassed than before. Oh well, I don’t think it’s a big deal. As we were walking through town, we were getting many strange looks from other ponies. I knew something like this would happen and I took the risk. But now I’m just starting to feel uncomfortable... “I guess our first stop is Sugarcube Corner since it’s the closest...” I looked at her. “It’s a great place for parties and buying sweets.” we stopped at the door. “It’s where my friend Pinkie Pie lives.” I said opening the door. Quickly I went into shock at what I saw. Pinkie Pie was running around the room, chasing after a floating Pumpkin Cake: the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cake. “What’s going on in here?” “Oh! Twilight! Don’t worry, I have it all under control!” Pinkie Pie Exclaimed, looking up at pound cake on the ceiling. “Pound Cake, please come down, it’s too dangerous!” “Are you sure you don’t need my help...?” “Absolutely!” Pinkie exclaimed and then bumped into a wall. “Maybe I do need a little help...” all of a sudden, the two babies slowly came down to the ground and walked toward Crystal. “Huh...?” Pinkie said looking at Crystal. “Who’s that, Twilight?” “Oh, this is Crystal and uh... long story short she’s sort of my daughter...” I said smiling sheepishly. I just saw Pinkie Pie completely shocked and her turning her head like a clock or something. “Your daughter!?!?” Pinkie exclaimed running up to Crystal “Hi there!” This time Crystal started to look scared. “Uh.. hi.” she said in a shy tone. “I’m Pinkie Pie! And--... wait... Twilight?” “Yes Pinkie?” I responded. “How is she your daughter? She’s not even a pony.” she said sort of examining Crystal. “It’s a long story...” I said rubbing the back of my head. I looked at Pinkie Pie, who sat down with the baby cakes and grinned. I sighed. “Alright, I’ll tell you...” I said sitting down as well. “You see... Princess Celestia sent me to this strange world to do some research on it so that we could get a better understanding of it. When I first appeared on that world, it seemed very different from our world.” “What was so different?” Pinkie asked. “Well... for one, the buildings were enormous!” I said raising my hooves in the air. “And almost everywhere I walked... or in this case ran, I saw beings that looked like Crystal except a lot bigger...” I sighed continuing the story. “When I was running though, I was also taking notes. But then I dropped those notes in a puddle when I heard the sound of small crying...” I said looking at Crystal. “She was all alone; no family, no home... I honestly wondered how she survived. That’s why i decided to take her to Equestria with me. So that I could give her a better life.” When I looked at Pinkie, I could see her crying a bit. “That’s... so sad...” she said starting to stream tears now. “But I’m okay now.” Crystal spoke up making Pinkie look at her. “Because now I know that I’ll be better here...” she said hugging me. “With mommy...” Pinkie smiled for a moment, but quickly gasped in her thought. “Hey! I have to throw you a party!” “Huh?” Crystal said in confusion. “A party for what?” “I always throw a party for new friends! And you’re no exception!” Pinkie exclaimed proudly. “I’ll give you one of the best parties you’ve ever had!” “Um... I’ve never had a party before...” Crystal said rubbing the back of her head. Pinkie just gasped dramatically. “NEVER HAD A PARTY!?!?” she exclaimed in a sort of panic. “Then I’ll just have to throw you the biggest, bestest party that I’VE ever thrown!” “Uh, Pinkie, that’s really not--...” Pinkie covered Crystal’s mouth, “Not another word! I insist!” she said with a beaming smile. With that she zoomed into the other room. “How... did she do that?” “Nopony knows...” I said rubbing the back of my head. “But I guess I should’ve told you that when it comes to parties, it’s impossible to say no to Pinkie Pie.” I giggled. “Now come on,” I said as we walked out of the door. “Wait!” Crystal exclaimed. “What about the--...” Crystal was interrupted by the sound of two foals crying... PINKIE! “Pinkie Pie!” I exclaimed. “The babies!” Pinkie suddenly ran from the other room with bits of frosting already on her. “My bad...” she chuckled sheepishly carrying the two foals into the room where she was baking. I just rolled my eyes as we walked out. “Alright... I guess our next stop is Sweet Apple Acres.” I said levitating Crystal onto my back. “This is where you'll meet my friend Applejack.” “So is she a farmer?” “Yeah, how’d you know?” “Kind of obvious...” she giggled. “Yeah I guess you’re right.” I smiled at her. “Applejack is a really great friend, and the most honest pony you’ll ever meet.” With that, we made our way towards Sweet Apple Acres... of course we were still getting looks from other ponies, but it’s getting easier to ignore. But as I was walking, I could also hear some ponies whispering to each other, which was kind of starting to worry me. I decided to pick up the pace on my way to the farm. Not too long after, we finally made it to the entrance to the farm. “Mom...?” Crystal said as we walked in. “Why does everyone keep staring at us...?” “Well...” I said still walking. “Ponies aren’t really used to seeing you yet.” I said thinking a bit. “But trust me, I promise you that it will get easier.” “What in tarnation??” a familiar voice said aloud. “Twilight... what’s--...” “Applejack!” I snapped which made her step back a bit. “Before you even finish that sentence, it’s a who not a what!” I exclaimed. “And her name is Crystal...” “Sorry...” Applejack said a little nervously. “I didn’t know...” maybe I went a little too far... “Sorry Applejack, I’m just getting tired of ponies referring her as a thing. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that...” Applejack sighed. “It’s alright Twi...” she said turning to Crystal. “So... Crystal. How did y’all get here?” “Twilight found me...” Crystal answered. “She found you...?” Applejack said a little confused. “Well, yes...” I started. “You see, Princess Celestia gave me a task yesterday to do a research on a totally different world... and in that world I found her.” “Why did you take her back with you? Doesn’t she have a family?” Crystal just hung her head down. “Oh... I’m sorry. I didn’t know...” “It’s okay Applejack...” Crystal sighed. “Besides, I know Twilight loves me. That’s all that matters to me.” Applejack smiled and turned to me. “She’s really put a lot of trust in you sugarcube...” “I know...” I said turning to Crystal who started walking to the trees. “Which is why I won’t let her down.” I smiled when I saw her jumping for an apple. “You mind lending her a hoof Applejack?” “Not at all Twi.” Applejack smiled walking to the tree where Crystal was jumping. “Stand back sugarcube.” she said to Crystal, and she listened. With ease, she bucked the apple tree, and apples fell to the ground. “There you go.” she smiled giving an apple to Crystal. “Thanks Applejack!” Crystal said taking the apple, taking a bite out of it. “Wow... this is the best apple I’ve ever had!” she exclaimed quickly eating the rest of it. “Well, I’m glad you like it sugarcube.” Applejack said putting a hoof on Crystals back. “And hey, anytime you get the urge, you can come anytime for another.” “Thank you...” Crystal said, this time in a soft tone. And quickly she hugged Applejack as well. Applejack just looked at her surprised, and smiled. “Anytime...” All of a sudden, a familiar pegasus pony zoomed past us. “What in the...!?” Applejack said as Crystal let go of her. “Rainbow Dash, y’all get down here right now!” “Sorry AJ, but I’ve got some things to do!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Rainbow Dash, come down here!” I exclaimed, “I want you to meet someone!” Immediately, Rainbow Dash stopped and flew down to us. “Meet who?” Rainbow Dash said looking around. Quickly she turned to Crystal. “What the...” Rainbow Dash said getting her hooves to the ground, getting closer to Crystal. “Rainbow Dash.” I started. “This is Crystal.” I turned to her. “Crystal, this is my friend, Rainbow Dash.” Crystal and Rainbow Dash just stared at each other for a moment. Finally Crystal broke the silence. “It’s nice to meet you Rainbow Dash.” She said in actually a calm tone. “I really like your hair...” “Oh uh... thanks.” Rainbow let out. “And I uh... really like your... hooves?” she said looking curiously at her hands. “Oh, these are hands...” Crystal said showing them. “See?” she said stroking Rainbow Dash’s mane. “Whoa...” Rainbow Dash let out. “They feel so much different than claws...” “Claws?” “Well, you know... like Spike.” “Oh, I met Spike! He’s really nice, and so cute!” she giggled. “Heh, yeah...” Rainbow said in an awkward tone. “Well, it was nice meeting you... Crystal.” with that she flew off. “Well that was strange...” I said looking up at Rainbow flying. “What do you mean, mom?” “Well, just the way that Rainbow--....” “Whoa, hold up now...” Applejack interrupted me. “Did she just call you mom?” “Well, yeah...” Crystal said. “She is taking care of me isn’t she?” “Well... yeah, I guess that makes sense...” Applejack said rubbing the back of her head. “Well, I better get back to work. I’ll see y’all later though Crystal.” Applejack said walking away. “Bye Applejack!” Crystal said waving at her. “You have really nice friends mom...” she said climbing onto me. “Yeah...” I was pretty much zoned out for a moment. I was too busy thinking about why Rainbow Dash acted that way. It’s not like her. “Come on, let’s go see Rarity...” I said walking out. “Wait...” my horn started glowing. “Maybe it’s better if we don’t get too much attention this time...” with that, I teleported both of us the the entrance of carousel boutique. “And this would be where Rarity lives...” “SWEETIE BELLE!!” Rarity exclaimed from inside, shocking me and Crystal. “That can’t be good...” I said walking into the boutique. Everything looked fine... but apparently it wasn’t fine to Rarity. “How many times have I told you not to ‘organize’ my supplies!?” Rarity exclaimed. “But it was a mess!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed in a high pitched tone. “It was not a mess!” Rarity objected. “It was all ideas! Inspiration! And now it’s ruined!” “Come on!” Sweetie Belle Exclaimed. “It should be easier for you now!” “It doesn’t matter Sweetie Belle, the way it was before was easy to me!” “Rarity!” I exclaimed, both Rarity and Sweetie Belle turned to us. “Oh, Twilight. Forgive me darling, I didn’t notice you come in...” Rarity quickly turned to Crystal. “Pardon me for asking but, who is that?” “Oh, this is Crystal...” I said putting her down. “I’m--...” “Twilight is my mom!” Crystal quickly exclaimed making Rarity and Sweetie Belle go shocked. “Yes... well... I’m taking care of her...” I said clearing my throat. “Crystal, this is my friend, Rarity and her little sister Sweetie Belle.” “It’s nice to meet both of you!” Crystal exclaimed. “It’s nice to meet you... too...” Rarity said turning to Twilight. “Where is she from...?” I then started to explain the task that Celestia had for me and where I found her. “Oh my... that sounds awful...” “Trust me, I know.” I said. “Which is why I’m going to take good care of her.” “Twilight?” Rarity said. “Yes?” “Where is she?” “Huh??” I said looking around. “Crystal?? Where are you??” “I’m in here mom!” she said coming in from another room with Sweetie Belle. “I was just talking to Sweetie Belle.” “Oh...” I sighed in relief. “Don’t worry mom, I’m fine.” “So it’s settled then?” Sweetie Belle asked. “I think it’ll be fun!” Crystal nodded excitedly. “Whoa, whoa, what are you two talking about?” I asked walking to them. “What’s settled?” “For Crystal to be a cutie mark crusader!” “What??” Rarity exclaimed. “Sweetie Belle, you couldn’t possibly believe that--...” “I think it sounds like a great idea.” I cut Rarity off. “But Twilight--...” “Trust me. Rarity. I think this will be a great way for Crystal to make some friends... she may not be able to get a cutie mark, but at least they’ll have fun trying.” “I suppose you’re right...” “Alright!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “I can’t wait to introduce you to our other members!” “Other members?” Crystal asked. “Yeah, Applebloom and Scootaloo!” “Applebloom?” Crystal asked again. “Oh, she’s Applejacks sister.” I said. “I didn’t know she had a sister...” “She also has an older brother. His name is Big Macintosh.” Sweetie Belle said. “He’s really shy, but he’s also really nice.” “Wow...” Crystal let out. “Well, when can I see them?” “Not right now Crystal, we still have one more friend to visit first.” I said levitating her on my back. “Awww...” Both Sweetie Belle and Crystal let out. “Don’t worry. I promise you can come back here after.” “Yay!” they both exclaimed. I rolled my eyes and giggled. “I’ll see you later Rarity.” she turned to Sweetie Belle. “And Sweetie Belle, you should probably get Applebloom and Scootaloo here.” “Oh! Great idea!” she exclaimed running past me. “Have a nice day Twilight.” Rarity said as we walked out. “So, what do you think of my friends so far?” I asked looking at her. “Well... all of them are so nice!” Crystal exclaimed. “You have great friends mommy...” “Well, there’s one more friend that I’d like you to meet. Her name is Fluttershy, and believe me when I say she’s one of the kindest ponies in Equestria.” “What does she do?” “Well, she owns a cottage near the everfree forest... she has many animals. I think you’ll like her.” I said teleporting us outside of her door. “And this would be it... how are you getting used to teleporting?” “I’m... getting better...” Crystal smiled sheepishly. “Fluttershy?” I said knocking on her door. “Oh! just a minute...” she answered in her usual quiet tone. She quietly walked up to her door and opened it. “Oh, hi Twilight.” she looked up and quickly looked scared. “Um... what’s... t-that?” Before I even answered, Crystal went down and slowly walked up to Fluttershy. “My name is Crystal.” Fluttershy slowly walked close to Crystal, but still a little afraid. “Um... it’s nice to meet you Crystal...” her tone slowly got quieter. “Uh... what did you say?” Crystal asked. “It’s... nice to meet you.” Fluttershy repeated but in the same tone. “Is she okay mom...?” Crystal asked looking at me. “She’s fine... it’s just the way she is when she meets someone new. Actually, it’s how she met me too.” I said getting close to her. “She’s really shy, so just be careful with what you say...” I said in a whisper. “Okay mom...” “Mom...?” Fluttershy spoke up and turned to me. “Yes, technically I am her mom...” I said. “She found me...” Crystal spoke out going closer to Fluttershy. “I was all alone. I didn’t have a family to take care of me...” “Oh my goodness...” Fluttershy let out. “But I know Twilight will take care of me.” Fluttershy just looked up at me in shock. “You really think you can take care of her...?” “I’ll do everything I can.” I nodded and saw Angel bunny hop over to Crystal. “Hey little guy...” Crystal said petting him. “Oh, that’s Angel.” Fluttershy said. “It’s nice to meet you Angel.” Crystal said picking him up. Angel just struggled and hopped out of her hands. “Oh!” “Oh, don’t worry. He’s just not used to you yet.” “Well, it was great seeing you Fluttershy... I’ll see you later.” Twilight said carrying Crystal. “It was great seeing you too Twilight. and it was nice meeting you Crystal.” She waved as we walked out. “Well, that’s all of my closest friends... what do you wanna do now?” I asked. “What about Sweetie Belle?” Crystal asked. “Oh that’s right!” I said as I teleported back to the boutique. I sighed, “I don’t think I’ve teleported this much in one day before...” I said knocking on the door. “Oh! She’s here!” Sweetie Belle’s voice was heard from behind the door. She quickly opened the door to me and Crystal. “Hi Crystal!” “Hi Sweetie Belle!” Crystal said hopping off my back, running in with Sweetie Belle. I smiled and followed her in. “Crystal, these are my friends, Applebloom and Scootaloo.” she said pointing at them. “Wow...” Applebloom and Scootaloo said in unison. “You weren’t kidding Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo said. “She does look different. It’s nice to meet you by the way. I’m Scootaloo.” “And I’m Applebloom!” she exclaimed. “Is it true? Do you really wanna be a cutie mark crusader?” “Yeah!” Crystal said excitedly. “Alright!” the three exclaimed. “Come on!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “We gotta show you the clubhouse!” She ran out with Applebloom and Scootaloo. “Coming!” Crystal exclaimed running after them. “Have fun!” I exclaimed. “Be safe...” “Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about them darling.” Rarity said walking in. “I’m sure everything will be just fine...” I sighed. “I really hope you’re right...”